Cancer Symptoms Management Table

Cancer Symptoms and their Management

Symptom: Anemia

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Low red blood cell count (confirmed by blood tests)

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Fatigue related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood

Interventions:

• Blood transfusions to increase red blood cell count
• Administration of erythropoietin-stimulating agents to stimulate red blood cell production
• Nutritional counseling to ensure an adequate intake of iron and other nutrients essential for red blood cell production

Symptom: Neutropenia

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Fever
• Low neutrophil count (confirmed by blood tests)

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Risk for infection related to compromised immune system

Interventions:

• Strict hand hygiene and infection control measures
• Administration of growth factors (such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) to stimulate neutrophil production
• Prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent infections

Symptom: Thrombocytopenia

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Low platelet count (confirmed by blood tests)

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Risk for bleeding related to low platelet count

Interventions:

• Platelet transfusions to increase platelet count
• Implementation of bleeding precautions, including avoiding invasive procedures and using soft-bristle toothbrushes
• Education on signs of bleeding and when to seek medical attention

Symptom: Neuropathy

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities (hands and feet)
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Difficulty with fine motor skills

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Impaired physical mobility related to peripheral neuropathy

Interventions:

• Medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin to manage neuropathic pain
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve mobility and functional abilities
• Education on foot care and fall prevention strategies

Symptom: Cognitive disorders

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating and multitasking
• Confusion or disorientation

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Acute confusion related to cancer treatment

Interventions:

• Cognitive rehabilitation programs to improve memory and cognitive function
• Environmental modifications to reduce sensory overload and enhance orientation
• Collaboration with healthcare team to adjust medication regimens if necessary

Symptom: Chemo Induced Nausea (CIN)

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to chemotherapy-induced nausea

Interventions:

• Antiemetic medications, such as ondansetron or aprepitant, to manage nausea and vomiting
• Small, frequent meals of bland, easily digestible foods
• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture or ginger supplements (under healthcare provider’s guidance)

Symptom: Mucositis

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Painful sores or ulcers in the mouth and throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Redness and inflammation of the mucous membranes

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Impaired oral mucous membrane related to chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Interventions:

• Topical oral anesthetics or oral rinses to manage pain
• Mouth care protocols, including regular oral hygiene and use of saline rinses
• Nutritional support, including soft or liquid diet and provision of high-calorie, high-protein foods

Symptom: Alopecia

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Hair loss, often involving the scalp but can affect other body areas

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Disturbed body image related to chemotherapy-induced alopecia

Interventions:

• Emotional support and counseling to address body image concerns
• Education on options for wigs, scarves, or other head coverings
• Information on hair regrowth and strategies for caring for regrowing hair

Symptom: Pain

Clinical Manifestations (including Diagnostics):

• Varies depending on the underlying cause and location
• Can be acute or chronic

Possible Nursing Diagnosis:

• Acute or chronic pain related to cancer and its treatment

Interventions:

• Administration of analgesic medications, tailored to the type and severity of pain
• Non-pharmacological pain management techniques, such as relaxation exercises and distraction techniques
• Collaboration with the healthcare team to address the underlying cause of pain and adjust treatment as needed